AN extra 14 new homes will be built on the site of a former latex factory in Stoke Prior, adding to the 202 dwellings already in the pipeline.

At a meeting of Bromsgrove’s Planning Committee last night (Monday, October 2), members voted unanimously in support of the amendment to the upcoming Henbrook Gardens development, despite claims the plans were ‘uninspiring’.

Urban designer Joe Holyoak said: “The development as a whole represents a very low level of ambition. One would hope to see Bromsgrove council expecting housebuilders to raise their game.”

Cllr Peter Whittaker agreed, describing plans to fill in a canal arm on the site in Weston Hall Road as a ‘missed opportunity’.

But Cllr Caroline Spencer said: “I would say it’s a very well thought out development. It’s good to see something done with this land as it has lain derelict for many years.”

Evesham Journal:

The former Polymer Latex factory (Credit: Google Maps)

Planners gave the original scheme, headed by Barratt Homes, the go-ahead last year, with the new homes set to go up for sale at the start of 2018.

The new proposal will bring an extra 21 two-bed apartments, more two and four-bed houses but fewer three-bed homes.

Plans also include a children’s play park near to Saxon Business Park and pond area.

The development process is expected to underpin 400 jobs in the village, as well as financial contributions to education and public transport.

A Barratt Homes spokesman said: "We are preparing to bring 216 much needed quality homes, including affordable housing, to Henbrook Gardens on the edge of Stoke Prior.

"This development, the name of which was suggested by a pupil from a local school, will put the redundant former Polymer Latex factory site to good use.”